Essential Istanbul
		Ancient Kingdoms offers you a small taste of a city worthy of an entire feast. Sample Istanbul's endless variety of awesome historical sights, scenic landmarks and word-class shopping... then come back for more!

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4 days / 3 nights, Ex- Istanbul   
Daily departures

Day 1    Istanbul
Arrival transfer to your central hotel.

Day 2    Istanbul
Full day tour to discover the fabulous treasures of Istanbul- Topkapi Palace, St Sophia and the stunning Blue Mosque. After lunch visit the Grand Covered Bazaar and the historic Hippodrome. (B,L)

Day 3    Istanbul
Morning visit to the city's Spice Market, then take a leisurely cruise on the Bosphorus waterway between Europe & Asia. Afternoon free. (B)

Day 4    Istanbul
Departure transfer to the airport.(B)

Note: Grand Bazaar & Spice market closed Sundays. City tour sightseeing may vary.

TOUR INCLUSIONS: Return transfers * Choice of VIP, Super Deluxe, Deluxe, First, Superior Tourist or Tourist Class hotels with private facilities * Breakfasts * Professional guides * Sightseeing * Entrance fees * Travel Notes

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS IN ISTANBUL There is so much to see and experience in this fabulous city, we recommend extending your stay and choosing some of the following tours;- PRINCES ISLANDS (Full day, including lunch) - an exhilarating cruise on the Sea of Marmara, with lunch at a typical seaside restaurant, followed by a tour of the unique Ottoman residences in a horse-drawn carriage. TWO CONTINENTS or BOSPHOROS CRUISE  (Half day, afternoon) - including a visit to the fabulous Dolmabahce Palace, followed by a cruise on the historic Bosphorus, to Camlica Hill for stunning panoramic views of Istanbul. GOLDEN HORN (Full day, including lunch) - Experience the exotic aromas of Istanbul's spice market, then visit the Mosque of Suliman the Magnificent & the St Xavier in Chora Museum. Lunch in a traditional fish restaurant before exploring the Golden Horn and Pier Loti Hill. 1001 NIGHTS (Evening) - a sumptuous meal combined with amazing belly dancing and singing in an exotic oriental setting. Can be added to all of our Turkey itineraries.

Hotel List

Four Seasons Hotel Platinum	Eresin Crown Palace Super Deluxe, Deluxe	Sultanhamet Deluxe	Green Park First Class	Holiday Inn First Class
Located in Sultanhamet just steps away from the Blue Mosque and Tokapi Palace. The hotel has been created from a century-old neoclassic Turkish prison right in the heart of this historic city. Amenities include: 24hr reception, restaurants and bars, fitness facilities and sauna. The rooms feature: cable TV, plasma screen, A/C, DVD player, minibar, and in room safe	Located only a few minutes walk to Topkapi Palace, this is a fabulous and very elegant museum hotel. All rooms have parquet flooring, bathtubs and are equipped with A/C, minibar, hairdryer, safe deposit box, satellite TV, in house multi video and music system.	Located in a quiet area only 200m from the Blue Mosque and St Sophia. This brand new hotel is very tastefully decorated. All rooms have parquet flooring, bathtubs and are equipped with A/C, safe deposit box, minibar, hairdryer, satellite TV and a wireless internet connection.	Located onlyh minutes away from Taksim, Istanbuls shopping, entertainment and cultural area, the hotel offers indoor/outdoor swimmng pool, sauna, spa, steam room and Turkish Bath, gym, restaurants, bars and internet facilities. Rooms include A/C satellite TV, in room safe, minibar and hairdryer.	Located in a quiet area between the Old City and the New City, this new hotel offers the best of both worlds. Facilities include swimming pool, gym, restauratns, bars, internet access. Rooms feature A/C, minibar, internet access, in room safe, satellite TV & hairdryer.
President Hotel First Class	Faros Hotel First Class	Orsep Hotel First Class	Fehmi Bay Tourist Class	Asur Hotel Budget
In the historical centre of the Old City, this hotel has a restaurant, English Pub, pool and sundeck offering spectacular views of the Sea of Marmara.  Rooms offer A/C, satellite TV, minibar, internet access and hairdryer.	Located only 200m from the Blue Mosque,this new boutique hotel offers great style and refinement. Room facilities include A/C, hairdryer, LCD satellite TV, music, minibar, wireless internet access, safe deposit box and tea/coffee making facilities.	Located in the historical part of Istanbul and at walking distance to the Sultanahmet area, Grand Bazaar, St Sophia and Egyptian Bazaar. The hotel offers restaurants, bar, 24hr reception and internet access. Rooms feature A/C, satellite TV and minibar.	This boutique hotel is located in a lively area 2 minutes from St Sophia. The rooftop bar-restaurant terrace offers great views of the Blue Mosque and the Sea of Marmara.  All the rooms are equipped with A/C, safe wireless internet, satellite TV and hairdryer	Located conveniently close to the Grand Bazzar, the Blue Mosque and Tokapi Palace. The hotel features: Wifi and a terrace restaurant. The rooms are comfortable and are equipped with A/c, minibar and satellite TV